UDEC Minutes
September 26, 2006
1:00 p.m., 01-409

Notetaker: Valene Mathews

Attendees: MaiBritt Bennett, Renoda Campbell-Monza, David Conn (Chair), Sam Cortez, Jean DeCosta, Erin Echols, Brent Goodman, Linda Halisky, Devon Hodgson, Brad Kyker, Ramon Leon, Heidi Lorge, Jim Maraviglia, Barbara Melvin, Cheryl Ney, Jeffrey Sklar, Susan Sparling

Announcements
Requesting representation from UDEC Council members on the Status of Women Committee
Please notify David Conn at dconn@calpoly.edu as soon as possible if you are interested in becoming a representative for UDEC on the Status of Women Committee.

Distributed:
Draft Report of University Diversity Enhancement Council Activities and Accomplishments, 2005-06

Events Information
Women's Faculty and Staff Reception
The Women's Reception Oct. 3 at University House welcomes back all new and returning
women faculty and staff for the 2006-2007 school year. UDEC is a co-sponsor. The event runs from 3-5 p.m.

The Multicultural Center will be hosting its annual CULTUREFEST on November 19th, Sunday, at the SLO Vets Hall from 11 am to 4 pm. The event is free, and faculty and staff are HIGHLY encouraged to come. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact Christine Nasol at cnasol@calpoly.edu.

1. Mission Statement and Learning Outcomes
The Academic Senate will be reviewing changes to the Mission Statement and approving new Learning Objectives for the University. As part of the Mission Statement and Learning Objectives, a statement of diversity has been included. A work group consisting of faculty and staff are currently working on these and will be submitting them for approval to the Academic Senate. David Conn will distribute a copy of the draft to the Council for input as soon as the work group completes the draft.

2. Status of Work Groups
a. 1st Generation College Student Projects
Workgroups will be set up and will contact new students via WOW. Approximately 1300 students (self-reported through their CSU mentor application) are 1st Generation at Cal Poly. Currently working on an email project, “Idea of the week”. Tips/support statements will be emailed to 1st Generation Students on a weekly basis. There are plans to invite them to a Scholarship and financial support discussion/workshop in Winter Quarter. Jim Maraviglia offered his technician’s assistance with the email project.

In the past, panels of ten 1st Generation students have visited a small number of departments/units on campus to discuss the challenges that 1st Generation students face and changes that people can make to assist 1st Generation Students. Since last year, five students on that panel have graduated, and plans to recruit and train more are in place. There is a need for at least two representatives from each college and they will need to be at least 2nd year students. The panel will attend the Dean’s Council meeting on October 9th to encourage the Deans to have their Department Chairs schedule a presentation by the 1st Generation students to their faculty.

Devon Hodgson suggested that Susan Sparling contact Joe Grimes, Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning to see if the panels would be something that Joe could include in his workshops for faculty.
David Conn asked the Council that if anyone is interested in volunteering for any 1st Generation projects, to please contact Susan Sparling directly.

b. 1st Generation College Student Scholarships
A $30,000 allocation coming from the College of Liberal Arts will fund three or four students for four years at $1,000 a year. In the meantime, there are plans in place to raise a $700,000 endowment in four years, which would allow an increase from $1,000 to $2,500 per student per year for four years. Will need to market to incoming students. Essays are required as part of the qualifying process for the scholarships. They will be kept on file and made available to potential applicants so that they can see what 1st Generation students experiences are at Cal Poly.

c. Mural
A meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 3:00pm in UU 218. Everyone is invited to attend! A request for proposals has been drafted and the students have obtained good contacts for artists. The students are very excited about the project. One student has already completed and submitted a proposal. Still working on funding issues. A Cal Poly Corporation account has been opened to receive funding. $1,500 from University Advancement has been received and additional funding from the College of Liberal Arts has been promised. Student Affairs has also pledged $5,000. Will need additional funding in order to complete the project. There are plans to go out to the Colleges and meet the Deans to request funding for the project. The goal is to have the students participating in the implementation and to be engaged in the process as much as possible.

d. Pride Alliance Center
Erin Echols will be working on creating support groups and involving both Faculty and Staff. There will also be training provided. Erin will notify the Council on what and when the services will be available.

Action items: Submission of suggestions, additions, changes to “Draft” Annual Report
Person responsible: Valene Mathews
Deadline: ASAP

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 9:00am-10:00am, 01-409